Survival-apparel and related survival-gear



Feb. 5, 1963 H. K. SHAW EIAL I SURVIVAL-APPAREL AND RELATEDSURVIVAL-GEAR Filed Jan. 28. 1960 EXPANDED CLOSED-CELLULAR FOAMINVENTORS. HUBERT KINNEY SHAW EDWARD C. CRAIG United States Patent3,076,206 SURVIVAL-APPAREL AND RELATED SURVIVAL-GEAR Hubert Kinney Shaw,Springfield, Mass., and Edward C. Craig, Stone Ridge, N.Y.; said HubertK. Shaw and Helen S. Craig, executrix of the estate of said Edward C.Craig, deceased, assignors to International Applied- ResearchCorporation, Wilbraham, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed Jan.28, 1960, Ser. No. 5,248 Claims. (Cl. 9-330) This invention relates toamphibian survival-apparel and survival-gear for which flexibility,buoyancy, insulation, and comfort are necessary characteristics. Theinvention also adapts itself for use in other units than apparel-gear,e.g., in combination with inflatable buoyancy in rafts, boats, pontoons,and the like. Extensive tests have proved that the interdependentsurvival features claimed in the present invention are especiallyvaluable in anti-exposure immersion-suits, flotation-coveralls, and inamphibian sports-jackets and sports-shirts.

Our invention is useful for operators and occupants of waterborne orairborne craft of all types, as well as for sportsmen, fishermen, dockpersonnel, bridge repairmen, search-and-rescue personnel, floodrescue-workers, firemen, policemen, campers, water-skiers, snow-skiers,skaters, and other outdoorsmen, women and children whose activitiesexpose them to wind, water, and a wide variation of temperatures.

Preparedness is of vital importance in matters of survival. If an itemof survival apparel-gear is too heavy, too bulky, too rigid, too costlyto manufacture, its usefulness is accordingly limited. In fact, thehistory of survival apparel-gear indicates that the use and purposes ofsuch equipment may be delayed for generations unless the objections areremoved. The object of this invention is to combine the inter-dependentelements of multipurpose survival-appear and related survival-gear.

It seems that the greater the range of utility, the greater the chancesthat such apparel-gear will be used by the persons who may later becomeinvolve in an emergency situation but who neglect to use apparel or geardesigned solely for emergency-protection. Our invention, therefore, isdesigned to meet the interrelated needs of survival apparel-gear.

Experience has shown that a simple construction is needed for reducingvapor-tension, (i.e., the pressure of a confined body of vapor)isolating condensation-moisture, and increasing air-circulation withinamphibian apparel. A simple construction is also needed for horizontallyself-righting a person who is wearing a flotationcoverall, especially inthe event that he is a non-swimmer and falls into the water in aface-downward position. Leg-coverings of amphibian-co'verall units needinitially to be of ample circumference for easy donning, but also needto become reasonably close-fitting later when the wearer enters thewater. Furthermore, there is need for a practical means of reducingcargo of water from a Coverall-unit which may have leaked due to damagein an accident, etc. It is likewise important, when the seams ofamphibian apparel are electronically welded, that the area adjacent tothe seams be adequately reinforced 3,076,206 Patented Feb. 5., 19,63

The Present Invention The present invention is the result of extensiveexperimentmg with segments of soft, closed-cellular foam of variousdimensions and shapes, from A" to 1%" in thickness We have utilizedneoprene closed-cellular foam weighing approximately 4 pounds per cubicfoot; vinyl closed-cellular foam, 5 pounds per cubic foot; polyethyleneclosed'cellular foam, 2 pounds per cubic foot; and other syntheticcompounds, all of which can be joined to fabrics by the use of specialadhesives or by the use of sewing equipment. Certain types ofthermoplastic foam, moreover, can be joined to thermoplastic sheeting,coated or uncoated fabrics by means of electronic sealing.

The buoyant and insulating characteristics of expanded, closed-cellularfoam have been comparatively well-known to manufacturing specialists,engineers, and the like, during the past generation. As Mr. Kienitzpointed out In his Patent No. 2,226,564, the material was recommendedfor life preservers in the report of the Committee on Commerce relatingto the investigations of the 8.8. Morro Castle and Mohawk disasters.During the past quarter-century since then, the combined resiliency andstrength of cell-structure of gas-expanded, closed-cellular foam havesuccessfully withstood the rigorous tests of time and usage. (On May 2,1958, the Department of Transport, Ottawa, Canada, officially approvedbuoyant plastic foam for life-preserver use, CGSB Specification '41-GP-8; 6-5-GP-1; and on June 25, 1958, the United States Coast Guarddid likewise, Life-preserver Specifica tion Supbart 160.052.)

The primary objectives of our research and experimentation in thedevelopment of the present invention have been maximum comfort andadaptability to numerous types of activity, in order to provide amaximum of preparedness for unexpected emergency situations.

The advantages of buoyancy and insulation are the result of the uniquenon-connectingcell structure of gasexpanded, solidified rubber orplastic foam; hundredsof thousands of separate cells (containingnitrogen or other gas) per cubic inch of foam.

The comfort and adaptability advantages of the present invention are theresult of combining modern materials in a unique manner, to provide,along with buoyancy, flexibility, etc., adequate means ofair-circulation and ventilation, to aid in evaporating the vapor whichis constantly excreted from the human body in the form of insensibleperspiration. A further accomplishment, of special importance inflotation-coverall or immersion-suit units, is the isolation ofcondensation-moisture between the inner and outer layers of sheeting.

Especially in areas such as under the arms and adjacent areas, between,or/and adjacent to, the knees, or other locations where ventilation andair-circulation are particularly desirable, apertures or perforations?may be cut or stamped, in various sizes (for example, /2 or 1"), invarious shapes (such as square, oblong, circular, triangular, etc.)through the solidified foam. In addition to providing ventilation, theperforation method retains structural strength with increasedflexibility. In apparel-gear units designed solely for warm-weather use,perforations may, if desired, extend not only through thesolidified-foam interlining but also through the' outside layer and/orinside layer of covering material. For units designed solely forcold-water use, optional perforations extend only throughsolidified-foam interlining or semi-interlining (segments); but in bothtypes of construction, the perforations serve to provide addedcirculation of air concurrently with body-motion of the wearer.

The walls of the stamped perforations may be perpendicular, or at anoblique angle if preferred, with relation to the outside and insidecoverings of sheet material.

The use of strips or segments of solidified foam, as well as theperforated areas, permits a siphoning action along the channels andspaces which separate the segments, and back and forth through theapertures (when the solidified foam is perforated).

Any desired apparel-pattern may be cut from sheets of solidified foam,or from laminated sheeting and solidified foam, perforated or otherwise.Whenever practical, precut segments of rubber or plastic solidified foammay be used, being joined to either or to both outside-covering andinside-covering layers by means of adhesives, sewing, quilting,radio-frequency sealing, etc.

The concurrent bellows-action or siphoning-motion of air with eachmotion of the wearers body, due to the channels and other air-spaces, isan important means of increasing the wearers comfort and efiiciency.Even the motion of the diaphragm in respiration serves to produce theanalogous reaction in the multipurpose apparel-gear. To fulfill theirbasic purposes, survival-apparel and gear must be comfortable;otherwise, people often tend to feel embarrassed or self-conscious inwearing it.

Isolation of Condensation In the present invention, we have also shownthat condensation moisture, heretofore one of the primary diflicultiesencountered in water-impermeable survival-apparel, can be isolated inthe following manner; (this is even more important and noticeable inanti-exposure flotation-coveralls than in amphibian coats or jackets).The outer layer of the amphibian apparel is, for this purpose,constructed of water-impermeable material, and the inside orlining-layer is constructed of vapor-permeable material which has beentreated with a suitable waterrepellent solution, such as Aridex orZelan.

The vapor from the wearers body readily penetrates the vapor-permeablelining-layer, then goes through the channels and spaces which separatethe solidified-foam segments, and finally condenses into drops of wateragainst the inner surface of the outside (water impermeable) layer ofmaterial. (In the case of previous types of immersion-coverall, thismoisture would then cause the wearers ordinary clothing to become wet,resulting in general discomfort.) In the present invention, however, thecondensation-moisture does not return through the water-repellentlining-layer. It penetrates one way, in the form of vapor, but does notreturn after it has condensed into water. After the coverall-unit isremoved, the condensation-moisture gradually evaporates; but meanwhile,the water-repellent lining-layer has served effectively as amoisture-barrier. Such a combination is especially useful for extremelycold and/or extremely windy weather conditions, when it may be desirableto reduce the evaporative heat-loss from the body but where comfort andefficiency are, as always, important, too.

For weather that is both warm and wet, the outside layer of material maybe constructed of material which is not only water-impermeable but to aconsiderable degree, vapor-permeable; and the lining-layer may be ofordinary vapor'permeable fabric. In warm weather, it is generallydesirable to expedite (rather than to retard) evaporative heat-loss; andfor warm-weather use, the following construction is especially useful.

Both the outside and inside layers of sheet material may be constructedof air-porous fabric, either or both of which may bewater-repellent-treated with a solution such as Aridex or Zelan. Thestrips of buoyant material are, in this instance, joined to the fabricof an ordinary shirt or jacket, as well as being adaptable for coat andcoverall types of apparel. The amphibian garments constructed in thismanner can be comfortably worn even on hot days, times when the largestnumber of boating accidents occur.

To provide both physiological and psychological mo,-

tivation for Wearing a cool-air amphibian garment in warm weather, oneof the modifications of the present invention is as follows: removablesacs containing beads of adsorbent desiccant, e.g., the materialcommercially known as Sovabead, may be inserted in the channels orspaces of the amphibian apparel, as, for example, near the armpits, inorder to expedite the evaporation of body vapor. Further, it becomespsychologically useful to the youngster (or older person, as the casemay be) to be able to find additional reason for wearing thesurvivalapparel; it helps to keep him comfortable, cooler than he mightbe without it. Then, if he becomes too preoccupied in combatting arecord-size fish, or if his boat capsizes or hits a rock, he may luckilyfind himself wearing a multipurpose survival-garment even on a hot,humid day.

The same construction which helps to keep the wearer cool in summerhelps to keep him comfortable if he is exercising vigorously in cool orcold weather; for example, when skating or skiing. If, despite warnings,he falls through ice, he will find that his sports-garment has instantlytransformed itself into a survival-garment. The same principles andlogic apply in the case of multipurpose buoyant snowsuits for childrenand little tots. If they venture too near the edge of a brook or riverand fall into it, they will be able to clamber out or to shout andattract the attention of rescuers.

The channels and spaces between the buoyant segments afford. furtherusefulness in the tropics or in the extremely hot boiler-rooms ofsteamships, etc. Both layers of sheet material may, for such purposes,be constructed of waterimpermeable material; and sacs of Dry Ice orother types of refrigerant may be inserted (and removed and refilledwhen necessary).

Reinforced Electronic Construction In electronic sealing, twothermoplastic films, pieces of unsupported thermoplastic sheets, orthermoplasticcoated fabric or an outer layer of thermoplastic sheetingand a lining layer of vapor-porous, woven-filament fabric are placedagainst each other, and the superposed plies are subjected tohigh-frequency electronic welding, which fuses the two plies, the fusionbeginning in the midthickness of the material and proceeding outward.

A weld of that type causes a weakening of the materials just outside thearea of high-frequency sealing. (The same is true in the welding ofmetals.) Another feature of the present invention is the application ofa strengthening-tape which extends across the joint and onto the mainbody of the fabric, film, or sheeting, in the neighborhood of the jointand covers the weaker area which is adjacent to the seam itself. Thereare numerous examples in prior art where seams are reinforced; but it issignificant in the present invention that the area requiringreinforcement is not actually a part of the seam, but adjacent to theseam. In plastic rainwcar, umbrellas, and the like, it has not beendeemed necessary to resort to means of reinforcing the weakened area,due to the very low cost of such items and the customary repeat sales.In survival-apparel and gear, however, efiicient performance anddurability are of paramount importance. Accordingly, the adequate reinforcement of the weakened area adjacent to electronically-welded seamsis important when amphibian apparel is constructed by this method. Thetapes or strapping used for reinforcement may be attached to theoutside, inside or to both sides, of the adjacent weakened area,depending on the types of material used.

In cannot be emphasized too strongly that numerous structural featuresare interrelated and interdependent for optimum and proper functioningof multipurpose survival apparel-gear. Concerning anti-exposurecoverall-units, if too many different sizes are required, it isproportionately difficult for owners of passenger-craft to furnish'teners, or buttons.

adequate survival apparel-gear for everyone on board (at differenttimes). In prior art, horizontal take-up straps are well known. In thepresent invention, however, are optional pairs of -vertical take-upstraps, which serve to reduce extra slack lengthwise; e.g., whenimmersioncoverall units are worn by individuals who are shorter instature than the units would otherwise accommodate; hence, fewerdiiferent-size units adapt themselves to fit a greater number ofpersons, as needed.

Similarly, more persons will protect themselves with insulatedanti-exposure and swim-coverall-units in cold water if the leg-coveringportions are constructed as follows: adequately voluminous forconvenience in donning the coverall-unit easily, but also adaptable tofit the legs snugly before the wearer enters the water. The presentinvention, therefore, includes means of reducing excess fullness bygussets or goring, plus lacing, drawcords, or slide-closures, etc.,below the kneeand, optionally, above the knee-portions. -In like manner,circumferential fullness may be reduced, if desired, in the sleevesand/or at each side of the body-portion between the leg-coverings andunderarm area.

For the purpose of vertical self-righting, Mr. Stoners coverall-units in1868 (U.S. Patent No. 74,168) had metal weights. He explained that hisinvention had for its object to furnish an improved apparatus by meansof which persons when compelled to commit themselves to the water incase of accident on steamboat or shipboard may sustain themselves fordays or until they are rescued. K are metal shoes or weights fittingupon the feet, the greater part of the weight (about five pounds) beingcollected upon the instep i In the present invention, both horizontaland slantingposition self-righting become possible by means of twoco-acting -features: (1) the provision of means for reducing thefullness in the leg-coverings, assummarized in the preceding descriptionof take-up straps, plus means for drawing together snugly thegusset-like front or/ and side portions'of the leg coverings,particularly from the instep to the knee; closure means may be forexample, conventional boot-lacing method, spiral, around-the-leg lacing,drawcords, slide-closures, spring-clasps, stud-fas- Especially importantis the provi sion of feature. (2): buoyancy (preferably in the form ofvery light, closed-cellular solidified foam, such as neoprene,polyvinyl, polyethylene, or (in sealed compartments) polyurethane, up to/2 cubic foot in volume, said buoyancy being located across theupper-front portion .of the coverall-unit (between. the neck and thethighs,

coverall-unit and the wearer, or occupan were seen to be analogous (intheir combined superstructure and ballast) to theconstruction of a ship,the spine of the wearer representing the keel, and the weight of shinandknee-bones being counteracted as much as practicable by theanterior-buoyancy units at the shin- 1 ,boneand knee-bone areas. Thesimplest form of the unique self-righting feature is achievable byutilizing inflatable compartments which also contain segments ofsolidified foam,, which may be of either closed-cellular orinterconnecting-cellular type.

Concerning the buoyancy required in the self-righting features ofconstruction, it is'pointed out that it is customary to test volumes ofbuoyancy by use of iron Weights in the water. In confirming theeffectiveness of self-righting coverall units, however, tests wereconducted 6. in a sea-water harbor by individuals wearingflotationcoverall units.

Studies of the evolution of flotation-coveralls during the past centuryindicate that another problem has been that of leakage, although theproblem has been sometimes misinterpreted. It should be pointed outthat, as far as survival is concerned, a leaky coverall-unit ofwater-impermeable material affords far more protection than no coverallat all. Body-heat gradually warms the enclosed leakage-water. One personmade the thoughtful observation that he would much prefer to have somelukewarm or cool water within a windproof, protective coverall-unit ofsubstantially water-impermeable material (if he also had suflicientbuoyancy provided to support himself and his clothing) than thealternative of using his own body-warmth to increase the temperatjurcel:of the ocean (or lake, river, etc.) adjacent to his If a coverall unithas developed leakage, it is nevertheless desirable to have a means ofremoving the leakage-water; e.g., at such times as when survivors arebeing picked up by a rescue lifeboat and will need to continue to wearthe coverall as anti-exposure apparel in the boat or raft; or when therescue is performed by a helicopter. A flexible plastic or rubbersyringe and tubing may be included as an integral part of theflotationcoverall unit and the accumulation of leakage-water can thus bereduced to a minimum, the syringe functioning in the manner of a boatsbilge-pump.

If adequate buoyancy (from 16 to 32 ounces of closed-cellular foam ofapproximately 4-pounds-percubic-foot density) is provided to support thewearer of the flotation-coverall unit, plus his regular clothing and theordinary contents of his pockets, the flotation-coverall unit itselfcould be completely flooded without danger of sinking. Water which mightleak into a coverall-unit as a result of damage, etc., simply displacesan equal volume of outside water.

For extremely cold temperatures, auxiliary heat is desirable. Shaw inhis U.S. Patent No. 2,647,507 provides a water-activated chemical-heatunit which can be transferred to various locations within thecoverall-unit.

'A feature of the present invention for the purpose of distributing warmair more thoroughly (at very cold outside temperatures) is the optionalprovision of two smallsize chemical-heat units, one in each of thefoot-coverings, positioned in back of the heel and at right angles(approximately) to the sole of the foot. These units may be attached bya cord or tape means, one end of the aforesaid cord or tape beingattached to the kneeportion, or adjacent area of the coverall-unit. Theheatunits may be positioned between the lining and the outmeans thanchemical heat may be utilized within the scope of this invention.

In the earlier part of this specification, we have stressed the use ofexpanded, closed-cellular foam. There is also another complementarybenefit from a related product, foam-rubber or foam-plastic ofinterconnectingcellular type. As a further modification, we provide,optionally, inserts of interconnecting-cellular foam, the function ofwhich is to provide additional bellows-like motion of air within thecoverall-unit. It also adds resiliency. It is practical to join the twotypes of cellular foam so that the closed-cellular layer is adjacent tothe outside covering of the coverall or other unit of buoyant appareland the interconnecting-cellular foam is adjacent to the inside covering(lining) of the apparel unit.

Interconnecting-cellular foam-bellows inserts are especially useful inand adjacent to foot-coverings, underarm or adjacent areas, between theknees or adjacent areas. Such inserts, either independently or joined toclosed-cellular-foam inserts, may be placed wherever desired, forspecialized types of activity, and may be included in small sacs, forexample in combination with chemical-heat compound, or with desiccantmaterial.

A further modification of amphibian survival-coveralls is described asfollows: From the waist upward at least as far as the neck (andoptionally as far as the top of an attached helmet-portion), thecoverall-unit is constructcd of two layers of sheet material, with aninterlining of buoyant expanded-cellular material, orinterconnecting-cellular material, or both. The buoyant jacket-portionin this modification is provided with means for inflating that portion(by mouth-tube or CO cartridge). At least the jacket-portion isconstructed of substantially vapor-and-water-impermeable material, asubstantially airtight seam being provided where the jacket-portion isjoined to the leg-covering portion of the coverall-unit. This samecombination of buoyant solidified foam plus inflatable buoyancy isadaptable to all types of amphibian apparel-gear, e.g., vests, jackets,and bib-front overalls.

Material used in multipurpose survival-apparel may be treated withsuitable fiameproofing compound, such as ammonium sulfamate, by dip,spray, or brush-on methods. Fabrics which are to be treated with asolution of waterrepellent may first be treated with suitableflameproofing compound and subsequently treated, by dip, spray, orbrush-on methods, with water-repellent solution. The latter thenprovides a secondary function of helping to prolong the effectiveness ofthe preceding treatment (flameproofing).

FIGURE 1 is a partly broken-away front elevational view of an amphibianjacket unit showing the features of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a partly broken-away front elevational view of an amphibiansportsWear-coverall-unit showing the features of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partly broken-away front elevational view of an amphibianemergency-wear coverall-unit incorporating the features of the presentinvention.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary partly broken-away elevational view in largescale showing in vertical section a modified form of leg-and-footcovering.

Seams may be sewed, cemented, strapped, or/and electronically Welded,depending on the materials used and the particular requirements ofusage, etc. Any segments of solidified foam (whether closed-cellular orinterconnecting-cellular) may be molded, if desired, and may be joinedto either covering (or both).

Shown in FIGURE 1 is a reversible buoyant jacket constructed of twolayers of sheet material, outside and inside" layers, 1 and 2respectively, which are joined at their peripheral edges. To eitherlayer (or to both layers, if preferred) are joined (by cementing,sewing, stapling, electronically sealing, or other method) spacedsegments 3 of buoyant closed-cellular solidified foam. Sleeves may beprovided with adjustment-straps 4. An optional hood of the parka type 5may also be provided. Segments 3 may also be equipped with foam-bellowslayers and/ or apertures, or perforations 6. Channels separating thesegments 3 provide circulation of air and as a result, increasedcomfort. Channels 7 may intersect at either right or oblique angles.Removable pads 8 of desiccant may be provided to aid in drying air,especially under conditions of high humidity. Each pad 8 containing thedesiccant beads may be joined to its layer or layers as by snap-fastener8a. The desiccant beads may be reactivated by exposing them to dryatmosphere in an oven at a temperature between 200 F. and 500 F., forabout 20 minutes, all as is known.

solidified foam is perforated).

As mentioned earlier in this specification, the segments 3 comprisesoft, closed-cellular foam of various dimensions and shapes, and may befrom A" to 1%" in thickness. In experimentation, we have utilizedclosed-cellular foam comprising neoprene, vinyl, polyethylene, and othersynthetic compounds. Each may be joined to the inner and/or outer layersby the use of special adhesives, or of special types of sewing materialsso as to achieve a quilting effect, or by electronic sealing.

By the use of these segments, each comprising a nonconnecting cellstructure of gas-expanded solidified rubber or plastic foam, asaforementioned, we offer a tremendous multiplicity, hundreds ofthousands, of separate closed gas-containing cells per cubic inch offoam.

Reference has been made in this specification to the perforations 6through the foam of the segments 3. Such are especially desirable, asaforesaid, in areas, such as under the arms and knees and adjacentareas, or other locations where ventilation and air-circulation areparticularly desirable. These apertures or perforations may be cut invarious sizes and in various shapes. In addition to providingventilation, the perforation method assures retention of structuralstrength while simultaneously offering increased flexibility.

As aforesaid, the perforations may be arranged to extend transverselythrough the segments in a manner perpendicular to the main axes of thesegments, or alternatively, they may be arranged to extend obliquelytherethrough.

Also as set forth above, in the case of apparel-gear units designedsolely for warm-weather use, these perforations may extend not onlythrough the solidified-foam segmented interlining but also through theoutside layer and/ or the inside layer. Contrariwise, for units designedsolely for cold-weather use, the perforations may extend only throughsolidified-foam segmented interlining. In both types of construction,the perforations will serve to provide added circulation of airconcurrently with the body-motion of the wearer.

It is to be appreciated, as has been previously stated, that the use ofthe segments allows a siphoning action along the channels and spaceswhich separate the segments, and back and forth through the apertures(when the There is a bellowsaction or siphoning-motion of the air witheach motion of the wearers body, due to the channels and the otherair-spaces, which serves as a means for increasing the wearers comfortand efficiency.

It is to be explained that the segments may be formed from sheets ofsolidified foam, or from laminated sheeting and solidified foam (eitherof which foam forms may be preperforated), along any desiredapparel-pattern,

And it is also worthy of note, as mentioned earlier herein, thatcondensation moisture, offering such problems as it does in the case ofwater-impermeable survival-apparel, can be isolated where the outerlayer is constructed of a water-impermeable material, and the inside orlininglayer may be constructed of a vapor-permeable material, which mayhave been treated with a suitable water-repellent solution. The vaporfrom the wearers body will readily penetrate the vapor-permeablelining-layer, then pass through the channels or spaces separating thesolidifled-foam segments, and finally condense into drops of wateragainst the inner surface of the outside (waterimpermeable) layer.

Heretofore in prior art types of immersiomcoveralls, this moisture wouldcause the wearers ordinary clothing to become wet, resulting in thewearers general discomfort.

Contrariwise however, by the construction herein comprehended, thiscondensation-moisture does not return through the water-repellentlining-layer. It penetrates one Way in the form of vapor, and it doesnot return after it has condensed into water wherefor theWater-repellent lining-layer has served effectively as amoisture-barrier.

On the other hand, in the case of applications where the weather is bothwarm and wet, the outside layer may be constructed of a material whichis both water-impermeable andvapor-permeable and the lining-layer may beof an ordinary vapor-permeable materiaLall for the reason that in warmweather, it is generally desirable to expedite (rather than to retard)evaporative heat-loss. For such warm-weather use, both the outside andinside layers may be constructed of an air-porous fabric, either orbothof which may be water-repellent-treated. v

The structure, so far described and comprising the inner and outerlayers (and the segments sometimes referred to as interlinings),provides, as was set forth in the preamble hereof, along with buoyancyand flexibility, and adequate means for achieving air-circulation andventilation, all so as to aid in evaporating the vapor constantly beingexcreted by the body of the wearer in the form of insensibleperspiration. The structure functions to isolate thecondensation-moisture between the said inner and outer layers.

The aforementioned removable pads or sacs 8 containing the beads ofadsorbent desiccant may be inserted Within the said channels or spacesbetween the segments, as, for example, near the armpits, all so as toexpedite the evaporation of body-vapor.

Alternatively, the channels or spaces between the buoyant segments, inthe case of applications in extremely hot areas, can be employed toaccommodate sacs of Dry Ice or other types of refrigerant.

As shown in FIGURE 2, a belt 9 may be used in a sportswear coverall-unitof the continuous-wear type. Also, for convenience and for adjustableventilation, vertically-extending sleeve-openings .between upper andlowerportions'of the sleeve may be provided and may be equipped withslide-closuresfl of known type. A central vertically-extendingopening ofthe coverall-unit may be provided with a slide-closure 11. Fullness oflegcoverings may be reduced by means of lacings 12. Op; tionally, suchlacing may be spiraled around the leg, from instep and ankle to a pointjust below the knee.

Coverall-units may also be reversible, and, like the jacket-units, mayhave one of the covering-layers of a bright color, such as internationalorange or red. Buoyant epaulets 13 may be joined to either the interioror the exterior surface(s) of the coverall or jacket units. Forsupplementary buoyancy, inflating-tubes 14 may be added, all for thepurpose of inflating the space between the outside and inside layers,and if desired, said tubes may be provided with CO cartridges.

In FIGURE 3 are shown anti-concussion, shock-insulating segments 15, 16attached to the helmet-portion, to protect, or reduce injuries to thewearers head in case it collides with floating objects; for example, atnight or in thick fog. A shoulder-tab 17 may be secured to the outersurface of the outer layer and may 'be provided is for attaching awaterproof flashlight and/ or jackknife by means of a lanyard,spring-clamp, safety-clasp, or the like. Vertical adjustment-straps 18are provided for adjusting the length of the sleeves and leg-coverings,especially to allow better fitting of individuals being protected fromexposure aboard lifeboats, liferafts, etc. Slide-closures 19, which mayextend from the instep to a point just below the knee and, if desired,also above the knee, may be used as an alternative to the lacing,drawcord, clasp, or button methods of closure, all so as to reduce thecircumference of the leg-coverings.

As shown in FIGURE 4, closure means (e.g., slideclosures 20) may beprovided at the side instead of at the front of the leg-covering portionof the amphibian coverall-units. Heat-units 21 may be provided in eachof the foot-coverings or/ and attached leg-portions, said heatunitsbeing insertable through appropriate openings in the outer layer, saidopenings being closed as by slide closures, snap fasteners, buttons, orthe like and the heat-units being attachable at the heel area to thesole or at right angles to the sole by suitable means, and extendingfrom the heel upwardly toward the calf of the leg, and/or also 10joined, if desired, by a cord 23 to a reinforcing-patch 24 in the backor sides of the knee-area. If preferred, a slide-closure (separable),stud-fastener, or other means may be used to attach the heat-unit in theknee-area so that the heat-units can be more easily transferred from theback to the front and/or from the side to the side of the leg coverings,as when the wearer is working on a deepsea fishing trawler in winter, oris wading at low tide from shore to an off-shore island in coldtemperature. (Similar means may be used for attaching small heat-unitsin or adjacent to the wrist area of the sleeves, if desired.)

Optional buoyancy-segments 25 may extend from the adjacent the seam perse. The area requiring such reinforcement is not actually a part of theseam, but portion adjacent the seam.

These tapes used for such reinforcement may be attached to the outside,inside or to both sides,'of the adjacent weakened area, all depending onthe types of material used.

We claim:

1. In water-impermeable coats, the improvement comisa prising an outsidelayer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interlining consisting ofa plurality of segments of flexible, buoyant, expanded closed-cellularsolidified foam, said segments being spaced from each other andproviding a plurality of interconnecting criss-crossing channels, and alining of vapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer andlining being secured to each other at all peripheral edges thereof, toprovide isolation of condensation moisture between said outside andlining layers.

2; In water-impermeable coveralls, the improvement comprising an outsidelayer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interlining consisting ofa plurality of segments of flexible, buoyant, expanded closed-cellularsolidified foam, said segments being spaced from each other andproviding a plurality of interconnecting criss-crossing channels, and alining of vapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer andlining being secured to each other at all peripheral edges thereof, toprovide isolation of condensation moisture between said outside andlining layers.

3. In water-impermeable coats, the combination comprising an outsidelayer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interlining layer ofexpanded, flexible, closedcellular solidified foam, said interlininglayer being punctured at intervals to provide transverse perforationsfor the purposes of flexibility and ventilation, and a lining ofvapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and said lininglayers being secured to each other at or adjacent to the peripheraledges thereof, to provide isolation of condensation moisture betweensaid outside and lining layers.

4. In water-impermeable coveralls, the combination comprising an outsidelayer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interlining layer ofexpanded, flexible, closedcellular solidified foam, said interlininglayer being punctured at intervals to provide transverse perforationsfor the purposes of flexibility and ventilation, and a lining ofvapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and said lininglayers being secured to each other at or adjacent to the peripheraledges thereof, to provide isolation of condensation moisture betweensaid outside and inside layers.

5. In anti-exposure protective coats, the combination comprising anoutside layer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interliningconsisting of a plurality of panels of flexible, expandedclosed-cellular solidified foam, said panels being spaced from eachother and providing a plurality of interconnecting channels, said panelsalso being punctured at intervals to provide transverse perforations forthe purposes of flexibility and ventilation, and a lining ofvapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and liningbeing secured to each other at all peripheral edges thereof, to provideisolation of condensation moisture between said outside and lininglayers.

6. In anti-exposure protective coveralls, the combination comprising anoutside layer of water-impermeable sheet material, an interliningconsisting of a plurality of panels 'of flexible, expandedclosed-cellular solidified foam, said panels being spaced from eachother and providing a plurality of interconnecting channels, said panelsalso being punctured at intervals to provide transverse perforations forthe purposes of flexibility and ventilation, and a lining ofvapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and liningbeing secured to each other at all peripheral edges thereof, to provideisolation of condensation moisture between said outside and insidelayers.

7. In anti-exposure protective coats, the combination of an outsidelayer of water-impermeable, thermoplastic sheet material, an interliningof perforated, thermoplastic expanded closed-cellular solidified foamjoined by electronic scaling to said outside layer, and a lining ofvaporporous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and lining beingsecured to each other by electronic sealing at all peripheral edgesthereof, to provide isolation of condensation between said outside andlining layers.

8. In anti-exposure protective coveralls, the combination of an outsidelayer of water-impermeable, thermoplastic sheet material, an interliningof perforated, thermoplastic expanded closed-cellular solidified foamjoined by electronic sealing to said outside layer, and a lining ofvapor-porous, water-repellent fabric, said outside layer and liningbeing secured to each other by electronic sealing at all peripheraledges thereof, to provide isolation of condensation moisture betweensaid outside and lining layers.

9. In water-impermeable coveralls, the combination as described in claim2, including removable sacs containing adsorbent desiccant beads, saidsacs being positioned adjacent the underarm areas of the apparel.

10. In anti-exposure coveralls, the combination as described in claim 2,and a pair of attached moistureactivated chemical-heat units, one ofsaid units being joined by a cord to the inside surface of the coverallsleft leg covering, the other of said heat units being joined by anothercord to the inside surface of the coveralls right leg covering, each ofsaid cords permitting both feet and both legs of the wearer to be warmedsimultaneously.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,221,417 Cheek Apr. 3, 1917 1,504,916 Teiber Aug. 12, 1924 1,771,730Marcks July 29, 1930 2,129,742 Mason Sept. 13, 1938 2,195,736 Myers Apr.2, 1940 2,329,093 Sommers Sept. 7, 1943 2,335,630 Bachardy Nov. 30, 19432,349,480 Walk May 23, 1944 2,414,051 Mallory Jan. 7, 1947 2,421,533Akerman June 3, 1947 2,621,342 Boyle Dec. 16, 1952 2,629,116 FriederFeb. 24, 1953 2,629,118 Frieder Feb. 24, 1953 2,647,507 Shaw Aug. 4,1953 2,664,566 Mianulli Jan. 5, 1954 2,794,756 Leverenz June 4, 19572,803,023 Rosenberg Aug. 20, 1957 2,842,771 Foti July 15, 1958 FOREIGNPATENTS 6,955 Great Britain 1899 805,173 France Aug. 17, 1936 557,220Great Britain Nov. 10, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION Patent No 3.076306 February 5, 1963 Hubert Kinney Shaw et a1.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patentrequiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read ascorrected below.

Column 1, line 38, for ."survival-appear" read survival apparel line 41,for "involvo" read involved column 9, line 53, for "and may be providedis for" read may be provided for Signed and sealed this 24th day ofDecember 1963.

(SEAL) Attest: EQWIN L. REYNOLDS ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer ngCommissioner of Patents

1. IN WATER-IMPERMEABLE COATS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRSING AN OUTSIDELAYER OF WATER-IMPERMEABLE SHEET MATERIAL, AN INTERLINING CONSISTING OFA PLURALITY OF SEGMENTS OF FLEXIBLE, BOUYANT, EXPANDED CLOSED-CELLULARSOLIDIFIED FOAM, SAID SEGMENTS BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHER ANDPROVIDING A PLURALITY OF INTERCONNECTING CRISS-CROSSING CHANNELS, AND ALINING OF VAPOR-POROUS, WATER-REPELLENT FABRIC, SAID OUTSIDE LAYER ANDLINING BEING SECURED TO EACH OTHER AT ALL PERIPHERAL EDGES THEREOF, TOPROVIDE ISOLATION OF CONDENSATION MOISTURE BETWEEN SAID OUTSIDE ANDLINING LAYERS.